| Description | Flavouring ingredient. Pungent principle of various Capsicum subspecies (Solanaceae)
Capsaicin (pronounced /kæp?se??s?n/) (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, (CH3)2CHCH=CH(CH2)4CONHCH2C6H3-4-(OH)-3-(OCH3)) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against certain herbivores and fungi. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to waxy compound.; Capsaicin is a banned substance in equestrian sports because of its hypersensitizing and pain relieving properties. At the show jumping events of the 2008 Summer Olympics, four horses tested positive for the substance, resulting in disqualification.; Capsaicin is a highly irritant material requiring proper protective goggles, respirators, and proper hazardous material handling procedures. It is hazardous in cases of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation (lung irritant, lung sensitizer). Severe over-exposure to pure capsaicin can result in death; the lethal dose (LD50 in mice) is 47.2 mg/kg. Numerous other adverse health effects can occur in mammals.; Capsaicin is identified as the primary pungent principle in Capsicum fruits. Hot chili peppers that belong to the plant genus Capsicum (family Solanaceae) are among the most heavily consumed spices throughout the world. The capsaicin content of green and red peppers ranges from 0.1 to 1%. Capsaicin evokes numerous biological effects and thus has been the target of extensive., investigations since its initial identification in 1919. One of the most recognized physiological properties of capsaicin is its selective effects on the peripheral part of the sensory nervous system, particularly on the primary afferent neurons. The compound is known to deplete the neurotransmitter of painful impulses known as substance P from the sensory nerve terminals, which provides a rationale for its use as a versatile experimental tool for studying pain mechanisms and also for pharmacotherapy to treat some peripheral painful states, such as rheumatoid arthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, post-mastectomy pain syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. Considering the frequent consumption of capsaicin as a food additive and its current therapeutic application, correct assessment of any harmful effects of this compound is important from the public health standpoint. Ingestion of large amounts of capsaicin has been reported to cause histopathological and biochemical changes, including erosion of gastric mucosa and hepatic necrosis. However, there are contradictory data on the mutagenicity of capsaicin. A recent epidemiological study conducted in Mexico revealed that consumers of chili pepper were at higher risk for gastric cancer than non-consumers. However, it remains unclear whether capsaicin present in hot chili pepper is a major causative factor in the aetiology of gastric cancer in humans. A growing number of recent studies have focused on anticarcinogenic or antimutagenic phytochemicals, particularly those included in human diet. In summary, capsaicin has dual effects on chemically induced carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. Although a minute amount of capsaicin displays few or no deleterious effects, heavy ingestion of the compound has been associated with necrosis, ulceration and even carcinogenesis. Capsaicin is considered to be metabolized by cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidases to reactive species. (PMID: 8621114); Prolonged activation of these neurons by capsaicin depletes presynaptic substance P, one of the body's neurotransmitters for pain and heat. Neurons that do not contain TRPV1 are unaffected. This causes extended numbness following surgery, and the patient does not feel pain as the capsaicin is applied under anesthesia.; The burning and painful sensations associated with capsaicin result from its chemical interaction with sensory neurons. Capsaicin, as a member of the vanilloid family, binds to a receptor called the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1). First cloned in 1997, VR1 is an ion channel-type receptor. VR1, which can also be stimulated with heat and physical abrasion, permits cations to pass through the cell membrane and into the cell when activated. The resulting depolarization of the neuron stimulates it to signal the brain. By binding to the VR1 receptor, the capsaicin molecule produces the same sensation that excessive heat or abrasive damage would cause, explaining why the spiciness of capsaicin is described as a burning sensation.; The research team led by David Julius of UCSF showed in 1997 that capsaicin selectively binds to a protein known as TRPV1 that resides on the membranes of pain and heat sensing neurons. TRPV1 is a heat activated calcium channel, which opens between 37 and 45 °C. When capsaicin binds to TRPV1, it causes the channel to open below 37 °C (normal human body temperature), which is why capsaicin is linked to the sensation of heat. Capsaicin is found in many foods, some of which are pepper (c. annuum), red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and orange bell pepper. |
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| Health Effects / Bioactivities | | Descriptor | ID | Definition | Reference |
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| 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor | 23924 | An agent that blocks the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene production, reducing inflammation and allergic responses. Therapeutically, it's used to treat asthma, allergies, and inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. | DUKE | | Analgesic | 35480 | An agent that relieves pain by reducing or blocking pain signals in the brain, commonly used to manage acute or chronic pain, inflammation, and fever, with therapeutic applications in surgery, injury, and disease treatment. | DUKE | | Anaphylactic | | An allergen triggering anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction with symptoms like itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure, requiring immediate medical attention, often treated with epinephrine. | DUKE | | Anesthetic | | A drug that induces a reversible loss of sensation, used to prevent pain and discomfort during medical procedures, surgeries, and diagnostic tests, promoting patient comfort and facilitating treatment. | DUKE | | Anti-aggregant | | An agent that prevents platelet aggregation, reducing blood clot formation. Its biological role is to inhibit platelet activation, and its therapeutic applications include preventing thrombosis and stroke. Key medical uses include treating cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation, and managing conditions that increase the risk of blood clots. | DUKE | | Anti-arrhythmic | 38070 | An agent that regulates heart rhythm, correcting irregular heartbeat patterns. Therapeutically, it restores normal cardiac function, commonly used to manage arrhythmias, prevent sudden cardiac death, and treat conditions like atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. | DUKE | | Anti colonospasmic | | An agent that relieves colonospasm, a disorder marked by decreased intestinal motility, by relaxing intestinal muscles and improving bowel function, commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. | DUKE | | Anti-inflammatory | 35472 | An agent that reduces inflammation, playing a biological role in suppressing immune responses and therapeutic applications in managing pain, swelling, and redness. Key medical uses include treating arthritis, allergies, and autoimmune disorders, as well as relieving symptoms of conditions such as asthma and dermatitis. | DUKE | | Anti-ischemic | 52217 | An agent that reduces or prevents tissue damage from inadequate blood flow, commonly used to manage angina, heart attacks, and strokes by improving oxygen delivery and reducing cardiac workload. | DUKE | | Anti mastalgic | | An agent that relieves breast pain (mastalgia) symptoms, often used to treat benign breast tumors and cyclic mastalgia, providing therapeutic relief from breast discomfort and tenderness. | DUKE | | Anti neuralgic | 52217 | An agent that relieves nerve pain, reducing inflammation and discomfort. It plays a biological role in blocking pain pathways, and has therapeutic applications in managing conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, and diabetic neuropathy. Key medical uses include treating severe nerve pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. | DUKE | | Anti neuritic | 52217 | An agent that protects nerve tissue, reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration. It plays a biological role in maintaining nerve health and has therapeutic applications in treating conditions such as neuritis, neuralgia, and neuropathy, with key medical uses including pain management and nerve damage repair. | DUKE | | Anti-nitrosaminic | | An agent that inhibits the formation of nitrosamines, carcinogenic compounds. It plays a biological role in cancer prevention, with therapeutic applications in reducing the risk of tobacco-related and other cancers. Key medical uses include chemoprevention and protection against carcinogenic exposures. | DUKE | | Anti nociceptive | 35470 | An agent that reduces the sensitivity to painful stimuli, blocking the transmission of pain signals. Its biological role is to modulate pain perception, with therapeutic applications in managing acute and chronic pain. Key medical uses include treating headaches, arthritis, and post-surgical pain, as well as providing relief for cancer and neuropathic pain. | DUKE | | Anti-oxidant | 22586 | An agent that neutralizes free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage. Its biological role involves protecting cells from harm, and it has therapeutic applications in managing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, with key medical uses including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardio protective effects. | DUKE | | Anti-psoriatic | 52217 | An agent that reduces psoriasis symptoms, commonly used in managing plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions, by modulating the immune system and inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation. | DUKE | | Anti septic | 33281 | An agent that prevents or reduces the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, to promote wound healing and prevent infection. Therapeutically, anti septics are used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, and are commonly applied topically to reduce the risk of infection and promote tissue repair. Key medical uses include wound care, surgical site preparation, and skin infection management. | DUKE | | Anti-spasmodic | 52217 | An agent that relaxes smooth muscle, reducing muscle spasms and cramps. It plays a biological role in regulating muscle tone and is therapeutically applied to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual cramps, and muscle spasms, providing relief from abdominal pain and discomfort. | DUKE | | Anti-tachycardic | 38070 | An agent that slows the heart rate, reducing tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). It plays a biological role in regulating cardiac function. Therapeutically, it is used to manage arrhythmias, hypertension, and cardiac conditions. Key medical uses include treating supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. | DUKE | | Antitumor | 35610 | An agent that inhibits tumor growth and proliferation, playing a crucial role in cancer treatment. Therapeutically, antitumors are used to manage various types of cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, helping to reduce tumor size, prevent metastasis, and improve patient outcomes. | DUKE | | Anti ulcer | 49201 | An agent that reduces stomach acid and protects the mucous lining, preventing ulcer formation. It is used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, promoting healing and relieving symptoms. | DUKE | | Calcium antagonist | 48706 | A medication that blocks calcium ion entry into cells, reducing muscle contraction and vascular resistance. It treats hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias by dilating blood vessels and decreasing cardiac workload, commonly used in managing cardiovascular diseases. | DUKE | | Cancer preventive | 35610 | An agent that inhibits the development and progression of cancer, reducing tumor formation and growth. It plays a biological role in blocking carcinogenic pathways, and has therapeutic applications in chemoprevention. Key medical uses include reducing the risk of cancer in high-risk individuals and preventing cancer recurrence. | DUKE | | Carcinogenic | 50903 | An agent that causes cancer, damaging cellular DNA and disrupting normal cell growth. It has no therapeutic applications, but understanding its biological role informs cancer prevention and treatment strategies, with key medical uses in oncology research and risk assessment. | DUKE | | Cardiotonic | 38070 | An agent that strengthens heart muscle contractions, enhancing cardiac output. It plays a biological role in regulating heart function and is therapeutically used to treat heart failure, improving symptoms and exercise tolerance. Key medical uses include managing cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. | DUKE | | Catabolic | | A biological process that breaks down molecules, releasing energy used to fuel anabolic reactions. Therapeutically, catabolic agents are used to manage weight loss, treat metabolic disorders, and enhance athletic performance. Key medical uses include | DUKE | | Cyclooxygenase inhibitor | 35544 | An agent that blocks the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing inflammation and pain. Therapeutically, it is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps, by decreasing prostaglandin production, a key mediator of inflammation. | DUKE | | Cytochrome-P450 inhibitor | 50183 | An agent that blocks the activity of cytochrome-P450 enzymes, reducing drug metabolism. Therapeutically, it's used to increase the efficacy of certain medications, manage drug interactions, and treat conditions like erectile dysfunction, by inhibiting the breakdown of key drugs, allowing them to remain active in the body for a longer period. | DUKE | | Diaphoretic | | An agent that induces perspiration, playing a biological role in thermoregulation. Therapeutically, it's used to treat fever, detoxify, and relieve congestion. Key medical uses include managing hyperthermia, aiding in toxin removal, and alleviating symptoms of colds and flu. | DUKE | | Digestive | | An agent that aids with digestion, breaking down food into absorbable components. It plays a biological role in nutrient absorption, has therapeutic applications in managing digestive disorders, and key medical uses include treating indigestion, bloating, and malabsorption. | DUKE | | Endocrinactive | | A substance that interacts with or interferes with normal hormonal action, potentially disrupting endocrine function. Therapeutically, it may be used to treat hormonal imbalances, while its key medical uses include managing endocrine disorders and certain types of cancer. | DUKE | | Name | 48318 | flavor | DUKE | | Hypothermic | | A condition of abnormally low body temperature, playing a biological role in reducing metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Therapeutically, it has applications in neuroprotection, cardiac surgery, and trauma care. Key medical uses include treating heatstroke, cardiac arrest, and brain injuries, as well as preserving organs for transplantation. | DUKE | | Irritant | | An agent that causes slight inflammation or discomfort, stimulating a biological response. Therapeutically, it can be used to increase blood flow or stimulate healing. Key medical uses include treating wounds, skin conditions, and respiratory issues, such as congestion, by inducing a mild inflammatory response to promote recovery. | DUKE | | Neurotoxic | 50910 | A substance that damages or destroys nerve cells, disrupting normal brain function. It has no therapeutic applications, but is used in research to study neurodegenerative diseases. Key medical uses include understanding and developing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, where neurotoxicity plays a role. | DUKE | | Pesticide | 25944 | An agent that kills or repels pests, playing a biological role in controlling insect, weed, and fungal populations. Therapeutically, pesticides have limited applications, but some are used to treat ectoparasitic infestations, such as lice and scabies. Key medical uses include topical treatments for head lice and scabies, highlighting their role in managing parasitic infections. | DUKE | | Pyrogenic | | An agent that induces fever, stimulating the immune system. It plays a biological role in fighting infection and has therapeutic applications in immunotherapy and vaccine development. Key medical uses include treating certain infections and cancers, as well as stimulating the immune system in immunocompromised patients. | DUKE | | Repellent | | An agent that deters or repels, often used to prevent insect bites or pests. Biologically, it plays a role in defense mechanisms. Therapeutically, repellents are used to prevent diseases like malaria and Zika virus. Medically, key uses include insect repellents, such as DEET or picaridin, to prevent bug-borne illnesses. | DUKE | | Respirasensitizer | | A substance that induces airway hypersensitivity after inhalation, used to study respiratory diseases and develop treatments for conditions like asthma, with potential therapeutic applications in diagnosing and managing airway disorders. | DUKE | | Rubefacient | | A topical agent that causes skin redness by dilating capillaries and increasing blood circulation, used therapeutically to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in conditions such as arthritis and muscle strain. | DUKE | | Sialogogue | | An agent that stimulates the flow of saliva, aiding digestion and oral health. Therapeutically, it helps manage dry mouth, protects teeth, and facilitates swallowing. Key medical uses include treating xerostomia, Sj�gren's syndrome, and radiation-induced salivary gland damage. | DUKE | | Thermogenic | | An agent that increases heat production through metabolic stimulation, used to enhance weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and treat conditions like hypothyroidism and obesity, by stimulating metabolism and energy expenditure. | DUKE | | Vasodilator | 35620 | An agent that widens blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow. It plays a biological role in regulating cardiovascular function. Therapeutically, vasodilators are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure, improving oxygen delivery and reducing cardiac workload. | DUKE |
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